Somehow, the faded skinny jeans and soft blue sweatshirt made her more beautiful, and even sexier.
By the time she’d stepped out of the closet, he’d almost finished cleaning the blood. Because she’d said she’d do it herself, he’d waited for her protests. She’d surprised him with a mere sound of frustration before marching into the bathroom and closing that door much as she had the closet door.
Shutting him out.
He deserved it after he’d screwed up so badly, not only by hurting her feelings, but by failing to ensure her safety.
Sometimes he forgot she had feelings, she could be so mercenary in her efforts.
Maybe if she’d acted a little more upset over her abduction, and been a little less on the make, he could have kept his priorities straight.
When next she’d emerged, it was without her makeup and with her hair loosely braided.
He’d been struggling with a powerful surge of lust ever since.
While Justice, Miles and Leese investigated different areas of the break-in and assault, Brand kept his eyes on Sahara. It bothered him that she’d gotten so quiet, sitting alone on the steps, her thoughts hidden.
The urge to promise her...everything kept his focus unwavering.
Part of it, he knew, was his inner caveman getting to play dangerous games of rescue. He understood now why his friends liked this security shit so much. For an alpha male, it fed a very basic instinct. A larger part, though, was Sahara herself. Being with her kept him on his toes, and in the normal course of things she gave as good as she got.
Today had not been normal, and seeing this softer, more susceptible side of her only made her more appealing.
She wasn’t the in-control business shark as much as a woman who needed and appreciated his help.
The various facets to her personality fascinated him. He admired her strength, and was drawn to her softness.
Taking care of someone else hadn’t been on his agenda. Hell, he’d been struggling with unexpected responsibilities already.
With Sahara, it was different because she was different. He relished the chance to care for her.
Brand was just about to join her on the stairs when Justice returned from his investigation of the security panel. “Could the kidnapper have known Scott well enough to know your passcode?”
On the bottom step of the right staircase, her arms around her knees, Sahara shrugged. “I don’t think Scott would have given those codes to anyone, but I can’t say for sure. Why?”
Brand considered sitting with her, but she’d been giving him “don’t touch” vibes ever since the attack. “You think that’s how he got in?”
Leese, who’d just stepped in after searching the yard, said, “He might’ve used the tree to leave, but I don’t think he climbed it to get in. That first branch is too high to reach, even with a jump, and the tree is too wide to shimmy up.”
Sahara snickered. “How do you know? Did you try it?”
Leese had no qualms about sitting with her. In fact, he took the step above her then put a hand on her shoulder.
Miles leaned against the newel post next to her. “Climbing out of your window to the tree and jumping down from the last branch wouldn’t have been too hard. But I agree with Leese. He got in another way.”
Justice nodded. “I’m thinking he came in right through the front door and then reset the alarm system. When you didn’t show up alone, he hid—and it paid off.” He said the last as an accusation aimed at Brand.
Brand started to reply, but Sahara beat him to it.
“Brand doesn’t work for me, and he hasn’t had the same training as you three.” She shook her head. “No, this is on me. I’m the one who insisted on coming here.”
“He should have gone upstairs with you,” Justice stated.
Sahara lifted a brow. “Once I made up my mind to go upstairs alone, do you honestly think he could have stopped me?”
Not as abrasive as Justice, Miles said, “Stopped you, no. That’d be like trying to stop a stampede. But he still should have gone up with you and checked the room first.”
This time Brand cut off Sahara before she could reply. “I agree.” He knew he’d fucked up. “Believe me, it won’t happen again.”
Snapping her head around to glare at him, Sahara reiterated, “You do not work for me.”
He held up a hand. “So we think the guy got in the front door. That has to mean he had the codes.” Keeping in mind her desire to withhold her personal background, he said, “Sahara told me about another case where a guy who had installed the system had everything he needed to break in.”
“That was different,” she said. “Scott changed the passcode after the installation.” And with that, she shoved to her feet and sashayed off into the kitchen.
Brand watched her go, specifically the sway of her perfect ass in the snug-fitting jeans. Damn. The lady had a body that looked great no matter what she wore.
And if he ever got to see her naked...
With conflicted thoughts, he turned back around—and caught all three of his friends staring at him with varying degrees of interest.
Was he supposed to do a trick? Irate, he asked, “What?”
Steely-eyed, Leese asked, “Are you working for her or not?”
He was still struggling with that decision. “Probably not.”
“Make up your mind already—” Justice said, heading off to join his boss “—or hit the road. She doesn’t need indecision on this.”
Brand wouldn’t allow anyone to push him away from Sahara. “Not happening.”
Justice pivoted with a frown.
“Let it go,” Miles said to Justice.
As the only one of his friends who knew why Brand might leave MMA, Miles probably had more patience to wait for his final decision.
When Justice subsided, Miles lifted a brow at Brand, asking, “You two involved?”
Define involved. Drawn to each other? Definitely. Constantly butting heads? All the time. Smothering in sexual chemistry? God yes.
Brand shook his head. “Not yet sure about that either.” None of them would accept that so he went on without pause. “But I do know she shouldn’t be alone.”
“I’ll be with her,” Justice said. “You just go on home and figure out your life or something.” He strode away for the kitchen.
Brand stared after him. He could understand Justice’s confusion since he didn’t know all the facts, but he’d only put up with so much before he’d lose his temper. “Why the hell is he so pissy about this?”
“He hasn’t shaken off his stint as her personal protection.” Leese, too, started for the kitchen. “I have no idea why you’re even thinking about leaving MMA, but I suggest you make up your mind. Just know that if you stay, it’s a commitment until this is wrapped up. No waffling in and out.”
“I don’t waffle, damn it.”
With a roll of his eyes, Leese disappeared into the kitchen.
Miles waited to chime in until there was only the two of them. “You have some tough choices ahead with the SBC and your fight career. I know that. The thing is, you can’t be part of the setup then just bail if things here aren’t yet resolved. No one is going to accept that, least of all Sahara.” Then Miles left him, too.
Sahara was like the Pied Piper—where she went, the others followed.
Alone in the foyer, Brand grumbled and looked at the door...but he knew he wasn’t going anywhere.
His friends were right—it was past time he made a decision. A lot depended on Sahara. Talking to her, gauging her reaction, was key. He couldn’t do that if he walked away now. If he stayed, if he insisted on being the one to protect her, they’d have ample time to talk it out.
Ample time for other things as well, and that was a concern. He could keep it together, but he had a feeling that dissuading Sahara would take all his wits and then some.
After a deep breath, he joined the others.
He expected to find Sahara devouring more cookies, but instead she stood by herself at the window facing the side yard, watching the sunrise.
As if she’d only been waiting on him, she faced them all, offered up a wan smile and said with her usual sass, “If you boys are done playing, I need to get to the office.”